CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Charleston woman was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with illegal drug and firearm possession offenses. According to a three-count indictment, Chandra K. Ross, 29, allegedly possessed heroin with intent to distribute on July 18, 2013 near Charleston. The indictment also alleges that on July 18, 2013, Ross possessed three firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

A third count in the indictment returned today by a federal grand jury in Charleston alleges that Ross knowingly possessed a .22 caliber revolver which had an obliterated serial number.

On July 18, 2013, police executed a search warrant on Ross’ Charleston apartment. According to the search warrant affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint, police found $26,825 in cash, over 100 grams of heroin and three handguns at the residence. Two of the handguns were previously reported stolen and another handgun had an obliterated serial number, the affidavit says. Police also recovered $1,701 in cash from Ross’ purse. The affidavit further says that at the time of the investigation, Ross shared the residence with her three minor children.

Ross faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison and a $1,500,000 fine, if convicted.

The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Loew is in charge of the prosecution.

The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.